"Under the Walnut Tree"Guest House is a beneficiary of the "Rural Tourism Development" program, a joint initiative by ACBA Federation and NABU Armenia. Through the provided grant, the guest house underwent extensive renovations, receiving a completely reinvigorated look and feel. Additionally, the founder, Lilit, participated in business training sessions organized by Acba Bank for aspiring entrepreneurs, which provided the essential foundation for her first steps in the hospitality industry.

"The training was highly motivating; as a beginner without prior experience, it had a significant positive impact on me. We renovated the hospitality hall through the joint program implemented by ACBA Federation and NABU. This space allows us to welcome guests during the cold winter months, with a capacity to host 20 to 30 people at once. In business, there are always challenges and phases where things don't seem to go right, but you must never lose heart—you have to keep moving forward," says Lilit Khalatyan, founder of the "Under the Walnut Tree" Gastro-Yard.

For eight years, Lilit has been welcoming hundreds of guests to her guest house in Yeghegnadzor, showcasing the traditional dishes and customs of Vayots Dzor while organizing interactive masterclasses. Tourists from across the globe also visit to sample her homemade spirits and local wines.

Lilit’s ambitions are growing; she plans to expand the premises to welcome even more travelers to her hospitable corner of Armenia.

 The ACBA Federation is the major shareholder of ACBA Bank, holding over 75% of its shares. Through this strategic position, the Federation actively contributes to the development of agriculture, the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in rural areas, the development of communities, the revitalization of local economies, and the improvement of livelihoods for individuals engaged in entrepreneurial activities across Armenia’s rural communities.